When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey, i got a 2003 ranger with a 5r55e 4.0 auto 4x4 and it is on its way out. i have another truck a 1994 ranger with the m5od-r1 5 speed 3.0 4x4 and was curious if i could do a swap and if i can what parts must i change? thanks!
No, 3.0l and 4.0l have different bell housing bolt patterns
M5R1(M5OD-R1) has integrated bell housing so it is an engine specific transmission
And just a heads up, if it comes up, 2WD and 4x4 transmissions are also not interchangeable.
You would need a 2001 to 2012 M5R1 from a 4.0l 4x4 Ranger or Mazda B-4000 4x4
In a pinch you could use 1990-2000 M5R1 from the same, 4.0l 4x4
2001 and up M5R1 for 4.0l has an extra bolt because of the 4.0l SOHC engine change in 2001, but people have used the older M5R1 with the SOHC engines without an issue
Swapping auto to manual or visa versa, is not an easy or good swap.
PCM(computer) must be changed, these are transmission specific, auto or manual secondary wiring harness as well
Pedal assembly needs to be changed
Steering column as well, to get rid of or add Automatic column shifter
5R55E is a good transmission, if there is a problem then it could just be Valve Body gasket.
A good transmission shop can rebuild it better than new since all past problems will have been corrected by hindsight, i.e. Valve Body now has Bonded Gasket.
All automatics have one weakness, heat, so 2nd trans cooler is a must, not an option, best $60 you will ever spend on any vehicle with an automatic.
If you want a manual trans, fix the 2003 trans and sell vehicle, get a manual Ranger.
With Manual you KNOW you will have to redo the clutch at some point, so built in failure, lol.
I prefer manuals, but know automatics are just as good(service-wise) and even better in some driving situations, i.e. stop and go traffic and off-roading
No, they have different engine bolt patterns
1983 to 1997 Rangers used the 2.3l SOHC Lima engine
2001 -2011 Rangers used the 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine
Both engines used the M5OD-R1(M5R1) transmission but different bolt patterns so the holes/bolts won't line up, and M5R1 doesn't have a removable bell housing
Same for automatics, 5R44E came on 2001 and up 2.3l and 3.0l Rangers, but not swappable because the hole/bolts don't line up, although the bell housing can be swapped on these, just not easy to do
So I just joined this forum for this specific reason. I have a 99 xlt 4.0 with the 5r55e and it’s going out. I got a deal on the drivetrain from a 97 explorer with the 4.0 and the m50d-r1. So I got the engine,tranny, transfer case, computer, pedal assembly, and slave cylinder and whatnot. Do I have everything I need to do this swap? Also the shifter.... I’m terrified I’m gonna mess it up but I don’t have the money to do a rebuild on the automatic. Any advice is greatly appreciated
I assume your 1999 is also a 4x4, picture is a 4x4 only transmission
Is the 1997 4.0l an OHV like the Ranger or an 4.0l SOHC, Explorer could have either in 1997, 4.0l SOHC was an upgrade option?
That matters
You don't need to swap engines if both are 4.0l OHV
But 1997 4.0l OHV will have used a 3 wire cam sensor so you do need swap that over to replace the 2 wire 1999 cam sensor tower and all, 1997 computer needs 3 wire cam sensor, different signal so no wiring work around
Also 1997 computer would have used 30psi fuel pressure as baseline for injector open time
1999 Ranger would use 55psi
The 1997 computer needs to have 30psi, so computer will open the injector too long, cause engine to run Rich, but you may be able to go to smaller injectors
I assume your 1999 is also a 4x4, picture is a 4x4 only transmission
Is the 1997 4.0l an OHV like the Ranger or an 4.0l SOHC, Explorer could have either in 1997, 4.0l SOHC was an upgrade option?
That matters
You don't need to swap engines if both are 4.0l OHV
But 1997 4.0l OHV will have used a 3 wire cam sensor so you do need swap that over to replace the 2 wire 1999 cam sensor tower and all, 1997 computer needs 3 wire cam sensor, different signal so no wiring work around
Also 1997 computer would have used 30psi fuel pressure as baseline for injector open time
1999 Ranger would use 55psi
The 1997 computer needs to have 30psi, so computer will open the injector too long, cause engine to run Rich, but you may be able to go to smaller injectors
yes Ron both engine are ohv. The more I get answers for my questions the more I don’t wanna attempt this lol as I was originally hoping I could do this in a day or two
Well it would be easier with same model year, but that can be said of any engine or transmission swap, they all get changes by year now and then
Automatic to manual swap also has some unique changes
You CAN just swap out the transmission and jump the "Start in Park/Neutral switch", its easy, or use the correct Clutch switch, explorer model should fit Ranger connector
Rewire the Backup light switch, also easy, the 2 wires are on the automatics DTR switch at the transmission so not much to it
Purple/yellow stripe wire has 12v key on
Black/pink stripe wire goes to back up light bulbs
Connect those 2 wires to the 2 wire switch on manual transmission, red connector at top of transmission in the picture, you need the connector for that from explorer harness, there is no "order" its just a switch, open in all gears and Closed in Reverse
The 1999 computer will turn on the CEL and it will stay on, but engine will run fine and drive fine, idle will be high for manual trans same as all automatics are
You can then check around at Speed shops to see if they know any "locals" that can program Ford PCMs, and they can load manual transmission software onto your 1999 PCM
Sell the extra explorer parts to pay for that reprogramming, maybe $200-$300 depends on "the guy"
Ron I have the manual pcm from the 97. And I could care less if the CEL was stuck on as long as it runs and drives. So you’re telling me I can swap out the transmission and transfer case and PCM, along with installing the pedals and shifter and be able to drive it without worrying about wiring or anything? This is gonna sound weird but I’m not too experienced in auto mechanics. I’m an industrial mechanical maintenance tech. So I understand some things better than others. And I appreciate your help so far
I did my manual swap in a weekend, as did most of the guys I know who have done this swap. And I largely did mine all by myself on a newer truck than yours, and I was picky and wanted it to be an OEM style swap so I went all out. You can definitely do it in a weekend if you start tearing it down on Friday night.
Ron I have the manual pcm from the 97. And I could care less if the CEL was stuck on as long as it runs and drives. So you’re telling me I can swap out the transmission and transfer case and PCM, along with installing the pedals and shifter and be able to drive it without worrying about wiring or anything? This is gonna sound weird but I’m not too experienced in auto mechanics. I’m an industrial mechanical maintenance tech. So I understand some things better than others. And I appreciate your help so far
No, thats not what I said in the 2nd post
If you use the 1997 computer you will need to change the cam sensor/synchro
And the fuel injectors to smaller ones, not sure on the size but not whats on either engine now, so new or used ones
Oh and you may need to access the PATS module above glove box and jumper the ground wire for starter relay, or you will get a no crank
If you use the 1999 stock Ranger computer you avoid all that and just get a CEL
Still have to do neutral switch and backup light wiring either way
And having a 1999 Manual trans computer wouldn't help in this situation, as 1999 and up have PATS so you can't just swap computers around, also need its matching PATS module above glove box, and the matching keys
Shaun and I did mine in like 2 days. I , unlike him, wasn't too picky and jumped the wires on the trans range sensor. Then got a custom tune to delete the rev limiter. If your 99 doesn't have a 3k rev limiter in neutral, you could go that route and not worry about a clutch safety.
